Having for some months heard rumblings (from a semi-reliable source ) about possible considerations from one of the top FT rifle manufacturers to produce a new field target pistol, I knew better than hold my breath that it would (ever) become reality. IT'S REALITY!
As the founder of Pistol Field Target, Extreme Pistol Field Target, and (possibly) Magnum Air Pistol Field Target (MapFT), suffice to say "I have friends in high places". That being the case, I am able to now announce my undercover agent at Rapid Air Works just sent this photo of the prototype of their new FT/PFT/MapFT PISTOL! Matter of fact Jeff... I mean the deep-cover agent imbedded at RAW, texted the photo live from the Pyramid Air Cup; where RAW's new pistol is being unveiled to the public for the first time. WHOA!
Of course a phone conversation immediately ensued; whereupon I was able to extract some details. Naturally, I also provided some feedback and suggestions that apparently went right to the source; that being the owner of Rapid Air Works/Air Force Airguns who was over-hearing my conversations with J.C. ... I mean, Deep Cover Agent 007.
Somebody pinch me; I think I'm dreaming!
Some details, and my suggestions- 1) As I suggested when I first saw the RAW Micro Hunter, the pistol naturally evolved from that evolution of their rifles. 2) It falls within all AAFTA, EFT and MapFT dimension parameters. 3) Will be available in .177 and .22 calibers; possibly also in .20 and .25. 4) If so, that covers everything from AAFTA PFT, to Extreme PFT, to (as now conceived but not yet birthed) MapFT. Suffice to say the platform should be capable of the 30 foot pound MapFT power limit in .22 & .25 calibers. 4) Yes, the grip is as comfortable as it looks (and is SEXY!). 5) The bottle is an alloy, 210cc, 200 BAR bottle. I suggested also offering a carbon-fiber 300 BAR bottle. 6) Per all Pistol FT rules, the barrel is within the 15" limit. I suggested also offering the 8.?" Micro Hunter barrel for a more compact hunting pistol; think a .25 caliber, 30(+) foot pound air pistol! 7) Target price is under $2,000; perhaps much closer to $1.5K. 8) Although in my excitement I neglected to mention the obvious possibilities of modular design enabling easy caliber and configuration changes on a single platform, the RAW is a perfect platform for that. 9) This new pistol should appeal to any Pistol FT shooter, as well as many air pistol shooters not into FT. 10) It also expands air pistol hunting horizons.
From my perspective, for several reasons. A) Another great offering in a market segment pretty lean of offerings. B) A less expensive alternative to the very best field target pistol on Earth. C) A next-level FT and hunting air pistol. D) A production MapFT gun. E) Hence, removing a substantial obstacle to MapFT moving from conception to reality.
Happy(ER) Shooting,
Ron
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